Sulfur vs. Selenium — What's the Difference?

An essential element for life, involved in protein synthesis.

A micronutrient essential for antioxidant protection.

A yellow, nonmetallic element used in chemicals and fertilizers.

A trace element found in soil, influencing its availability in crops.

A component in volcanic emissions and hot springs.

Found in electronic and photographic applications.

A byproduct of fossil fuel combustion contributing to environmental pollution.

Used in the glassmaking industry to decolorize glass.

Used historically in traditional medicine and rituals.

Vital for thyroid hormone metabolism.

Sulfur (in British English: sulphur) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic.

Selenium is a chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal (more rarely considered a metalloid) with properties that are intermediate between the elements above and below in the periodic table, sulfur and tellurium, and also has similarities to arsenic.

Any of various butterflies of the subfamily Coliadinae of the family Pieridae, having yellow or orange wings often marked with black.

A nonmetallic element, red in powder form, black in vitreous form, and metallic gray in stable crystalline form, resembling sulfur and found as an impurity in pyrites or obtained as a byproduct of electrolytic copper refining. It is widely used in rectifiers, as a semiconductor, and in xerography. Its photovoltaic and photoconductive actions make it useful in photocells, photographic exposure meters, and solar cells. Atomic number 34; atomic weight 78.96; melting point (gray) 221°C; boiling point (gray) 685°C; specific gravity (gray) 4.79; (vitreous) 4.28; valence 2, 4, or 6. See Periodic Table.

To treat with sulfur or a compound of sulfur.

A nonmetallic chemical element (symbol Se) with an atomic number of 34, used mainly in glassmaking and pigments and as a semiconductor.

(uncountable) A chemical element (symbol S) with an atomic number of 16.

A single atom of this element.

A yellowish green colour, like that of sulfur.

A nonmetallic element of the sulphur group of atomic number 34, analogous to sulphur in its compounds. It is found in small quantities with sulphur and some sulphur ores, and obtained in the free state as a dark reddish powder or crystalline mass, or as a dark metallic-looking substance. It exhibits under the action of light a remarkable variation in electric conductivity, and is used in certain electric apparatus. Symbol Se. Atomic weight 78.96.

Any of various pierid butterflies of the subfamily Coliadinae, especially the sulfur-coloured species.

A toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable gray metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)

Of a yellowish green colour, like that of sulfur.

(transitive) To treat with sulfur, or a sulfur compound, especially to preserve or to counter agricultural pests.

An abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)

Treat with sulphur in order to preserve;

Sulfur is found in volcanic areas, mineral springs, and as a byproduct in petroleum industries.

Sulfur is commonly found in a yellow crystalline solid form, while selenium can appear in several forms, including red and metallic gray.

Sulfur is primarily used in the manufacture of fertilizers and various chemicals.

Selenium is commonly found in nuts, seafood, eggs, and meat.

Selenium is crucial for immune system function and preventing cell damage.

Sulfur is essential for plant growth and is a major component of fertilizers.

They can occur together in sulfide ores, though they are usually found separately.

Excessive selenium intake can lead to toxicity, with symptoms like hair loss and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Yes, sulfur dioxide, a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, is considered a significant air pollutant.

Sulfur is mainly extracted from fossil fuels and minerals like gypsum, while selenium is recovered from copper refining processes.

Historically, selenium was used in glassmaking and as a pigment in ceramics.

Sulfur compounds, such as sulfur dioxide, contribute significantly to acid rain and air pollution.

Selenium is used in the electronics industry, particularly in photocopiers and solar cells.

Handling selenium requires precautions to avoid inhalation or ingestion, which can be toxic.

Selenium can be toxic to wildlife and aquatic systems in high concentrations.